The team, many decked out in Atlantic`s green and white and sporting medals on red, white and blue ribbons, was the last group off the airplane. They had made their presence known to the other passengers, who were faced with television cameras and reporters as they stepped off the plane at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach.

``They`re coming off last,`` one told the waiting crowd. ``They decided not to get off at all,`` another said.

When the team did get off the airplane, most were surprised to see the welcome committee, complete with flowers, balloons and a green and white banner reading, ``Congratulations Eaglettes.``

The team was finishing a five-day trip to Dallas. Besides the competition, the team went horseback riding, dined at the Hard Rock Cafe and went to the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park. They also thoroughly beat the Texans, who had expected to win on their home ground, said Bob Ritchason, who had accompanied his stepdaughter, senior Wendy Strickler, 17.

Ritchason had to be home for work on Monday, and he was waiting for Wendy with the rest of the crowd.

Shawn Andrei, 18, introduces himself as the Eaglettes ``and Company.`` As the only male on the dance team, he gets a lot of attention because he usually dances center stage. Although there is no one to match him up with in dance routines, he said he has no problem fitting in with the girls.

``We work so hard, for so many months, that by the time competition comes around, we`re like a family,`` he said. ``Really, the most frustrating thing is finding a place to change when we`re at competitions. They`re never expecting any boys.``